Man jailed for ‘sleeping’ rape

A man has been jailed for raping a woman who was ‘comatose’ following a night out with friends.

Jonathan Wood, 25, of Home Farm Close, Wray, near Lancaster, was found guilty at trial and sentenced following an investigation into an incident that occurred on October 7, 2011.

A 38-year-old woman from Kirkby Lonsdale returned home to her flat in the town after a night of drinking with friends.

While she was unconscious in her bed, Wood entered her flat and raped her.

Wood appeared at Carlisle Crown Court last Wednesday where he was handed a six year jail term.

Detective Constable Duncan Helm led the investigation. He said: “This sentence marks the end of a traumatic ordeal for the victim who, due to Wood pleading not guilty, had to go through two trials in court.

“The victim has been supported by specially trained police officers ever since she made her first complaint and has been very brave throughout the whole process.

“Thanks to her courage, we have been able to see justice served.

“Having sex with a person who cannot consent is rape.

“Wood took advantage of his victim and thought he could get away with it – we proved him wrong.

“Sexual offences are taken very seriously by police.

If you have been a victim of a crime then please come forward.

“We will listen to you and take your complaint seriously – no matter when the crime took place.”